Fountain pen desk set



Aug. 13, 1935. w R E T 2,011,040

FOUNTAIN PEN DESK SET Filed April 20, 19 55 Patented Aug. 13, 1935 William R. outhbert, FortMadison, Iowa, as-

slgnor to 'W. A. Sheafi'er Pen Company, Fort Madison, Iowa, a'corporation of Delaware Application April 20, 1935, Serial No. 17,452

16 Claims." (01. 120 10s) 1 invention relates to. a fountain pen desk :set and hasspecial referencet-oa device comprising a base for resting on a desk and a receptacle portion for holding a fountain pen in a desired position for convenience in use.

-. More particularly, this invention relates to a fountain pen desk set in which the fountain pen is equipped with connecting means adjacent the .writing point end and is supported ona seat in an open-ended receptacle in a manner substantially to seal the writing point thereof Within the closed end toprevent ink from drying on the writing point, there being means in the receptacle I for cooperation with the connecting means of the fountain pen to'prevent removal and to effect a-positive seal thereof upon relative movement between the fountain pen and the receptacle. It

willtbeunderstood that the fountain penunder normal conditions of more or less constant use isfreely insertable into the receptacle to rest by its own weight on the seat therein so that a substantial seal of the writing point is effectedand the fountain pen is freely removable for use in writing;

- ."h'I'he primary use of the present invention is in the office Where the need for a ready pen is frequent and the elimination of the usual cap for a fountain 'pen which iseither screw-threaded or is of tight fit affords great convenience and results in a substantial saving in time. It is ess'ential in such. a device to provide for the free insertion and removal of. the fountainpen during the frequent daily use thereof, although it is desirable at times during substantial periods of inactivity, to prevent the removal of the fountain pen from its position in the receptacle and to "effecta positive seal thereof.

In most commercial desk sets, the receptacle is hingedly or pivotally mounted and it is just as desirable tolock the fountain pen in an upright position in readiness for use as it is to lock the fountain pen inits receptacle when pivoted to a position-flat on the base in readiness for storing.

It'ls also desirable to provide a very simple and convenient movement for effecting the locking of the foun-tain pen in thereceptacle, andall of these features are desirably accomplished in the present construction.

' 'Oneof the objects of this invention is toprovide a desk set of the type indicated above in which a fountain pen is freely insertable into thereceptacle to rest by its own weight on the shoulder to effect a substantial seal on the writing point'and is freely removable for use in writ- 'ing, a relative movement between the fountain pen and the receptacle preventing the removal andeffecting a positive seal of the fountain pen when desired.

Other objects and advantages will hereinafter be more particularly pointed out, and for a more complete understandingof the characteristic featuresof this invention, reference may .now 1b'e had to the following description when takentolgether with the accompanying drawing, in which latter:: g r Figure 1 is a perspective viewof a fountain pen :desklsetembodyingv the features'of this invention, the. fountain'pen and receptacle therefor being shown in changed positions; i

Fig. 2 is a central verticalsectional viewof the receptacle separated from the base andishowing a portion of a fountain pen inserted there;- in, a pen gripper being shown in an inoperative position Y Flg; 3 is .aview similarcto l ig 2 shQwi-ng a changed position? of the pen gripper removal of .the fountain pen;

to prevent Fig. his a perspective view. of the pen grip per;

and 1 .Fig. "5 isan enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the receptacle showing a modified form of connecting means on the portion of the fountain pen shown therein. 1 l

- Referring. now more particularly to the draw- .in'g a base. I0 is provided and may be fof any .decorative-material, such as plate glass, onyx; or the like, of various shapes and sizes "and of such weight asto' lend 'suflicient stability to support the receptacle H and fountain pen 12in any-inclined'relation thereto. 1

The receptacle 1 H is formed preferably of 1a pyroxylin product or of other well-known compositions'and hasa chamber l3 formed' i'nrthe lower end thereof for receiving the writing point l4 and ink feedingmeans lfl ofthe fountainipen l2. The receptacle may be formed in two-parts, the upper part 15 having a flared open end and having a reduced extension l5 which is tele- 'scopically received in the upper end of the lower part or chamber l3 of the receptacle. The provision of a receptacle formed twopartsfis merely forfconvenienceflin manufacture" and it is to be understood thatfa receptacle'for performing the same desirable function may be made in a single piece. "The lower end of the receptacle is provided preferably with means foref tive to the base.

An intermediate portion of "the upper receptacle fecting apivotal and rotatable movementrela 7 [i5 is preferably provided with threads l 1,'from the lower portion of which an inclined surface i8 extends or converges to effect a cam surface when viewed in cross section. Thelowerend'of the cam surface terminates in a shoulder I9 at th'ejuncture of theconverging bore with areduced bore .20 in the extension l6. V Referringnow more particularly to Figure 'i, a gripping member. 2i is shown and comprises anannular member having an externallythreaded portion 22 and a series of opposed resilient fingers 23 extending from one end thereof. A portion of the inner surface .of the annular member is provided with longitudinally extending alternate ridges and grooves which,in the instance of the application, are serrations that taper from the one end of the annular member interiorly thereof to conform to the taper of the fountain pen which will now be described.

The fountain pen I2 is provided with a shoulder 24 at the writing point end thereof for seating on the shoulder IQ of the receptacle, the pen resting by its own weight on the shoulder to effect a substantial seal of the writing point within the chamber i3. The fountain pen is equipped with connecting means v25 which, in this instance, comprises a series of longitudinally extending alternate ridges and grooves for registration'with the serrations on the interior of the gripping member 2!. The fountain pen is tapered at each end to provide comfort in writing and attractiveness in appearance, the grooves and ridges preferably conforming to the taper.

The threads 22 of the gripping member 2i engage with the threads I! of the receptacle, the

grippingm'ember being limited in its longitudinal movement with respect to the receptacle by a split annular band 26 which is expanded and cemented or otherwise secured in position within the receptacle and preferably withina recessed portion therein. The band 26 is preferably provided with a bore which converges when viewed in cross section, the diameterat its upper end being preferably substantially the same as the adjacent bore of the receptacleand converging inwardly therefrom to a reduced diameter which is substantially the same as the adjacent diameter of the bore of the gripping member 2|. The nature of this construction is such as to facilitate the introduction of the fountain pen into the receptacle.

Referring now more particularly to Figure 2, the gripping member, being preferably formed of rubber or other resilient material, is held in the receptacle, the threads 22 engaging the threads H. The fingers 23 of the gripping member 2! engage the upper portion of the cam surface 18 and the gripping member is in its uppermost position as limited by the annular band 26. The diameter or the space between the opposed gripping fingers is sufiicient to permit the free ins'ertion or removal of the pen including the shoulder 24 to or from its seat [9 in the receptacle. Likewise, the alternate ridges and grooves, which extend longitudinally of the pen, are of such a nature as to register in the alternate ridges and grooves of the gripping fingers, the tops of the ridges being preferably-sharp so as to facilitate registration and to necessitate no adjustment in the insertion or removal of the fountain pen from the receptacle. 'Therefore, the fountain pen is freely insertable into the receptacle to rest by its own weight on the shoulder to effect a substantial seal thereby of the writing point and likewise the fountain pen is freely removable when it is desired to use the same in writing. Also, the freedom of fit obviates any tendency to create a suction to draw ink from the pen when it is removed.

ing position or fiat on its base, .the fountain pen is given a partial rotation (in commercial practice, about a half or three quarters of a revolution). When the gripping member 2! is rotated, the threads effect a longitudinal movement of the gripping member to vary the diameter or the space between the opposed gripping fingers as the gripping fingers move down the cam surface to grip the fountain pen and prevent removal thereof and to urge the shoulder of the fountain pen to seat on the shoulder of the receptacle. When it is desired to again present the fountain pen for normal condition of ready use, the fountain pen is axially rotated to rotate in turn the gripping member 2i, whereby the fingers move upwardly on the cam surface to release the tension thereon, the inherent resiliency of the fingers effecting an expansion thereof as limited by the cam surface to permit the removal of the pen.

The receptacle shown in Fig. 5 is substantially the sameas that previously described, it being preferably formed of two parts-a flared open-ended upper portion 27 and a closed lower portion 28 for sealing the writing point end and ink-feeding mechanism of the fountain pen 29. An intermediate portion of the upper receptacle is provided with internal threads for engaging the external threads of the rubber, metal or other resilient annular gripping member 30, the lower end of the gripping member being provided with fingers 3! for engaging a tapered seat 32 of the receptacle El as the gripping member is rotated in one direction. Such rotation of the gripping member causes a longitudinal movement thereof, the inclined surface urging the fingers radially inwardly to engage the barrel of the fountain pen. The shoulder of the fountain pen finds its seat on the inclined surface 32 and is held in intimate contact therewith by the resilient fingers 3!, thereby effecting a positive sealing of the pen nib and ink feeding mechanism of the fountain pen.

The fountain pen of the previously described embodiment is provided with a series of longitudinally extending alternate ridges and grooves for engaging registering ridges and grooves of the gripping member. These ridges and grooves are 'very desirable since, besides their normal function, they provide a grip for the fingers in writing. However, where it is desired toemploy a smooth surface, a key 33 may be inserted in the side of the fountain pen to be held by friction therein, the key preferably being of V-shape to engage one of the grooves of the longitudinal- 1y extending alternate ridges and grooves of the gripping member 39. Although but a single groove is necessary in the gripping member to engage the key, it has been found more desirable to employ a plurality thereof so as to obviate the necessity of finding the proper registration.

It is understood, of course, that the type of connecting means employed may be varied at will, the invention herein residing in the provision of means in the receptacle for cooperation with any type of connecting means to effect a positive seal and to prevent removal of the fountain pen from the receptacle by a relative movement between the fountain pen and the receptacle, the fountain pen under. normal condiiii for supporting the fountain pen, a resilient annular member having means for cooperation with the connecting means and having longitudinal movementin saidreceptacle, the connecting means of the fountain pen permitting relative slidable engagement longitudinally of said annular member in'a normal condition of use and preventing relative rotary movement therebetween, and means acting on said annular member during longitudinal movement thereof for varying the diameter thereof to grip and toprevent removal of the fountain pen therefrom by mere rotatable movement inone'direction of the fountain pen. 2; A fountain pen desk setin which the fountain pen is equipped with connecting means adjacent the writing point end thereof, a receptacle for supporting the fountain pen, a resilient annular member having means for cooperation with theconnecting means and having longitudinal movement, in said receptacle, the connecting means of the'fountain pen permitting relative slidable engagement longitudinally of said annuIar member in a'normal condition of 'use and preventing relative rotary movement therebetween, and cam meansfixed relative to said re ceptacle for acting on said annular member during longitudinal movement thereof for varying the diameter thereof to grip and to prevent removal of the fountain pen therefrom by mere rotatable movementin one direction of the fountain pen.

3. A fountain pen desk set in which the fountain pen is equipped with connecting means adjacent the writing point end thereof, a receptacle for supporting the fountain pen, an annular member having means for cooperation with the connecting means and having longitudinal movement in said receptacle, the connecting means of the fountain pen permitting relative slidable engagement logitudinally of said j annular member in a normal condition of use and preventing rel- I ative rotary movement therebetween', said annular member having resilient opposed fingers extending therefrom, and means acting'on said fingers during longitudinal movement of said annular member for varying the space between said fingers to grip and to'prevent removal of the fountain pen therefrom by mere rotatable'movement in one direction of the fountain pen. V

4. A fountain pen desk set in which the foun tain pen is equipped with connecting means ad.-

jacent the writing point end thereof, a receptacle for supporting the fountain pen, a resilient annular member having means for cooperation with the connecting means and having threaded engagement in said receptacle for effecting relative rotary and 'longitudial movement therebetween,

the connecting means of the fountain pen permitting relative slidable engagement longitudinally of said annular member in a. normal condition of use and preventing relative rotary movement therebetweemandmeans acting on said annular member for varying the diameter thereof to grip and to prevent removal of the fountain pen'therefrom by mere rotatable movement in one 'direc-' tion of the fountain pen.

5. A fountain pen desk set in which the founforsupporting the fountain pen, a resilientannuiar member having means for cooperation with the connecting means and having-threaded 'en gagement in said receptacle for effecting relative rotary and longitudinal movement therebetween, the connecting'means of the fountain pen permitting relative slidable engagement longitudinally of said annular member in a normal condition of use and preventing relative rotary movement therebetween, and means operative upon the longitudinal movement of said annular member for varying the diameter thereof to grip and to prevent removal of the fountain pen therefrom by mere rotatable movement in one direction of the fountain pen. 1 i 6. A. fountain pen desk set in which the fountain pen is equipped with connecting means adjacent the writing point end thereof, a receptacle for supporting the fountain pen, an annular member having means over the inner surface thereof for cooperation with the connecting means and having external means for engagement with said receptacle for effecting relative rotary and longitudinal movement therebetween,

the connecting means of the fountain pen permitting relative slidable engagement longitudinally of said annular member in a. normal condition of use and preventing relative rotary movement therebetween, said annular member having resilient opposed fingers extending therefrom, and cam means operative upon the longitudinal movement of said annular member for varying the space between the fingers thereof to grip and to prevent removal of the fountain pen therefrom .by mere rotatable movement in one direction of the fountain pen.

7. A'fountain pen desk set in which the fountain'pen is equipped with connecting means adjacent the writing point end thereof, a receptacle for supporting the fountain pen, an annular member having means over the inner surface thereof for cooperation with the connecting means and having external means for .en'gagement with said receptacle for effecting relative rotary and longitudinal movement therebetween, the connecting means of the fountain penpere mitting relative slidable engagement longitudinally of said annular member in a normal con dition of use and preventing relative rotary movement therebetween, said annular member having resilient opposed fingers extending there'- from, and a portion of the bore of thereceptacle converging when viewed in cross-section to effect a cam surface and force the resilient opposed fingers inwardly to grip and to prevent removal of the fountain pen therefrom by mere rotatable'movement in one direction of the founof, an open-ended receptacle having aseat for supporting the shoulder of the fountain pen and serving to substantially seal the writing point thereof at the closed end of the receptacle to prevent ink from drying on the writing point, a resilient annular member having means for cooperation with the connecting means and having threaded engagement in said receptacle adjacent the shoulder thereof for effecting relative rotary and longitudinal movement therebetween, the connecting means of the fountain pen permitting relative slidable engagement longitudinally of said annular member in a normal condition of use and preventing relative rotary movement therebetween, and means acting on said annular member for varying the diameter thereof to grip and to prevent removal of the fountain pen therefrom by mere rotatable movement in one direction of the fountain pen and to maintain the fountain pen in its sealed condition irrespective of the position of the receptacle. I

9. A fountain pen desk set in which the fountain pen is equipped with connecting means adjacent a shoulder at the writing point end thereof, an open-ended receptacle having a seat for supporting the shoulder of the fountain pen and serving to substantially seal the writing point thereof at the closed end of the receptacle to prevent ink from drying on the writing point, means in said receptacle for cooperation with the connecting means to prevent removal of the fountain pen therefrom by mere rotatable movement in one direction of the fountain pen relative to the receptacle, the fountain pen under normal condi tions of use being freely insertable into the receptacle to rest by its own weight on said shoulder to effect a substantial seal of the writing point and being freely removable for use in writing.

10. A fountain pen desk set in which the fountain pen is equipped with longitudinally extending alternate ridges and grooves adjacent the writing point end thereof, a receptacle for supporting the fountain pen, an annular member having alternate longitudinal ridges and grooves registering with those of said'fountain pen and having threaded engagement with said receptacle for efiecting relative rotary and longitudinal movement therebetween, said ridges and grooves of the fountain pen permitting relative slidable engagement longitudinally of said annular member in a normal condition of use and preventing relative rotary movement therebetween, resilient fingers extending from said annular member, and means acting on said fingers for movement thereof to grip and to prevent removal of the fountain 'pen therefrom. by mere rotatable movement in one direction of the fountain pen.

11. A fountain pen desk set in which the fountain pen is equipped with connecting means adjacent the writing point end thereof, a recepta-v cle for'supporting the fountain pen, an annular member having means for cooperation with the connecting means and having rotary and longitudinal movement in said receptacle, the connecting means of the fountain pen permitting relative slidable engagement longitudinally of said annular member in a normal condition of use and preventing relative rotary movement therebetween, resilient fingers extending from said annular member, and means acting on said fingers for movement thereof to grip and to prevent removal of the fountain pen therefrom by mere rotatable movement in one direction of the fountain pen. I

12. A fountain pen desk set in'which the fountain pen is equipped with connecting means adjacent the writing point end thereof, a receptacle for supporting the fountain pen, an annular member having means for cooperation with the connecting means and having rotary and longitudi- 'nal movement in said receptacle, theconnecting means of the fountain pen permitting relative slidable engagement longitudinally of said annular member in a normal condition of use and preventing relative rotary movement therebetween, resilient fingers extending from said annular member, and a cam surface on said receptacle for acting on said fingers during the longitudinal movement of said annular member to grip and to prevent removal of the fountain pen therefrom by mere rotatable movement inone direction of the fountain pen.

l3. A fountain pen desk set in which the fountain pen is equipped with connecting means adjacent the writing point end thereof, a receptacle for supporting the fountain pen, an annular member having means for cooperation with the connecting means and having rotary and longitudinal movement in said receptacle, means for limiting said longitudinal movement in one direction, the connectingmeans of the fountain pen permitting relative slidable engagement longitudinally of said annular member in a normal condition of use and preventing relative rotary movement therebetween, resilient fingers extending from said annular member, and means acting on said fingers for movement thereof to grip and to prevent removal of the fountain pen therefrom by mere rotatable movement in one direction of the fountain pen. I i

14. A fountain pen desk set in which the fountain pen is equipped with connecting means adjacent the writing point end'thereof, a receptacle for supporting the fountain pen, a rubber anthereof to grip and to prevent removal of the fountain pen therefrom by mere rotatable movement in one direction of the fountain pen.

15. A fountain pen desk set in which the fountain pen is equipped with connecting means adjacent a shoulder at the writing point end thereof, an'open-ended receptacle having a seat for supporting the shoulder of the fountain pen and serving to substantially seal the writing point thereof at the closed end of the receptacle to prevent ink from drying on the writing point, means in said receptacle for cooperation with the connecting means to prevent removal of the fountain pen therefrom by mere rotatable relative movementin one direction between the fountain pen and the receptacle, the fountain penunder normal conditions of use being freely insertable into the receptacle to rest by its own weight on said shoulder to effect a substantial seal of the writing point and being freely removable for use in writing.

16. A fountain pen desk set comprising a fountain pen, an open-ended receptacle for supporting said fountain pen, cooperating means on said fountain pen and in said receptacle for substantially sealing the writing point of said fountain pen to prevent ink from'drying on the writing point under normal conditions of use when the fountain pen rests in the receptacle by its own weight, and further cooperating means on said fountain pen and in said receptacle for locking said pen in said sealed position by mere relative rotary movement in one direction between said fountain pen and said receptacle.

WILLIAM R. CUTHBERT. 

